My First Time on the Track

[beaquel]

Saturday was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. The Midwest Cafe Racers Association held a track day at Gateway International Raceway. I participated in the two "test the track" sessions they held in between the Expert/Intermediate/Novice track day sessions. For only $40, I got to hit the track for 20 minutes and explore the limits of my abilities in a completely safe environment. Let me tell you something, it's a supreme luxury to ride without oncoming traffic, without potholes, without expansion joints, without sand, without pedestrians, without police, without deer, without blind corners, without trees, etc. Fortunately for me, I picked a very good strategy when lining up for the exit from pit lane. I waited for the "fast guys" and "average guys" to leave first before I took off as leader of the "timid guys". As the last of the average guys left me behind, I was able to pull away from all the timid guys and ended up with the whole track to myself for the entire duration of both sessions. I never once had anyone on my tail and always had completely clear track ahead of me. I'm still stoked a full day later. If you look at these pictures, the lean angle isn't that impressive. I don't own a set of race leathers with knee sliders, so I wasn't going to try "dragging a knee" through the turns. However, it sure felt like I was just an inch off the ground while I was riding. It proves I have a lot of room for improvement even when it felt like I was at the limits.

http://www.alsphoto.com/gallery/v/jobs/Aug+16+MCRA+Track+Day/IMG_9649+copy.jpg.html

http://www.alsphoto.com/gallery/v/jobs/Aug+16+MCRA+Track+Day/IMG_9680+copy.jpg.html

http://www.alsphoto.com/gallery/v/jobs/Aug+16+MCRA+Track+Day/IMG_9687+copy.jpg.html

http://www.alsphoto.com/gallery/v/jobs/Aug+16+MCRA+Track+Day/IMG_9709+copy.jpg.html

 

[vman1300]

Welcome to the addiction.....

 

[rubber2burn]

What he said

 

[beaquel]

So, I'm assuming you guys do this regularly? I had faith in my bike, and my tires only havd about 3,300 miles on them. I was more concerned about my own skills. Since I was lucky enough to have zero traffic the entire session, I only had to concentrate on myself. That was a huge help. The bike did remind me a few times that it weighs over 500lbs. I can't really complain though. I ran out of skill long before I even taxed the bike's potential. What do you guys feel about the front brakes? Mine is bone stock. I tweaked the front preload so it's much more stable on hard braking. It doesn't dive on me nearly as much as it used to. Would I notice a big improvement with SS brake lines? When I was hauling it down for the first turn off the main straight, I worried the brakes would give up on me. They never did, but I still worried.

 

[megawatt]

$40 for a quick sensory overload, sweet. I have to pay $200 for the full trackday out here. And full leathers are a requirement for fastrack riders organization. So sounds like a sweet deal you can do in your part of town.

Yes upgrading the front brakes will really change and help things out. Makes the effort less compared to stock lines. For what you are doing it may not be necessary but it would help.

Have fun.

 

[Charlesbusa]

SS lines do help as well as having your suspension set-up.

Trackdays rule!

 

[BA BUSA]

 

[beaquel]

I finally got around to putting together the footage I got of the Track Day event I went to back in August. Here's the results:

- MCRA Track day at GIR on 8/16/08[/url]